Caffe Moak Luxol and PAVI Depiro will clash in the St James Shield final after hard-fought victories over Hibs and Gżira Athleta, res-pectively, in the semi-finals.

As expected, Luxol found strong resistance from the young Hibs girls who had to do without their top-scorer Christine Grima.

Luxol opened strongly with 12 successive points but Hibs improved and by the half-time whistle they were leading by one point – 24-23.

The third quarter was balanced but Hibs held on to their lead and went into the last quarter 40-38 in front.

However, Hibs’ hopes were dashed after two three-pointers from Luxol playmaker Sara Pace who finished the match as best scorer with 27 points.

Hibs lost their plot and a 16-2 break allowed Luxol to pull away for a 57-48 win.

The second semi-final was equalling exciting as Depiro had to sweat to eliminate Athleta by the narrowest of margins – 49-48.

Athleta had the best start but Depiro regrouped and in the final minutes before the interval they did well to level the scores at 21-all.

Depiro kept their momentum going after the interval as Maria Bonett was potting crucial points before Athleta had a fine run to go into the last quarter a basket in front – 37-35.

Depiro were relying on Bonett for points as they nosed ahead in a decisive stage. Athleta tried hard to save the match but Depiro held on for the victory.

St James Shield final: Sunday – 14.45 Luxol vs Depiro.